Universal Nabs 'Manchester by the Sea' for Key Foreign Markets

At Sundance, Amazon acquired Kenneth Lonergan’s film for North America.

Kenneth Lonergan’s Manchester By the Sea, which had a strong premiere at Sundance, has been sold around the world, with Universal Pictures International Productions closing a multi-territory deal.

Sierra/Affinity also sold the film around the world. Amazon acquired the North America distribution rights to the film (repped by WME) at the festival with plans to release it during awards season in the fall.

Manchester by the Sea follows a working class family from Massachusetts. When a man's (Casey Affleck) older brother (Kyle Chandler) suddenly passes away, he is made the legal guardian of his nephew (Lucas Hedges).

"We are beyond pleased that Universal has come on board to distribute this powerful drama in multiple territories around the globe," said Nick Meyer, President and CEO of Sierra/Affinity. "When we introduced the film to buyers during the European Film Market in Berlin last year, Sony, along with many of our distributors, had the foresight to get behind the film well-before it was finished and for that we are appreciative. The film’s powerful debut during Sundance this year continues to show the world Kenneth Lonergan’s prowess as a writer-director who can harness a cast of world-class artists and marry them with great storytelling and beautiful imagery."

Specifically, Sierra/Affinity has sold Manchester by the Sea around the globe to the corresponding distributors as follows: